
There
are no claims that George and company ever slept at the historic WASHINGTON HOUSE in Sellersville
Pennsylvania; but there is that
persistent, yet unsubstantiated, legend that the Liberty Bell and those
charged with its safekeeping stayed on the property overnight during
their arduous trek from Philadelphia to Allentown.
What history does record though is that after the defeat of the
Continental Army at the Battle of Brandywine, it was realized that
Philadelphia would most likely fall into British hands. The decision
was made to take down the Liberty Bell, (then known as the State House
Bell) along with eleven other bells and move them out of the city. This
was done as a strategic move to deny the British access to a source of
metal that could be melted down and recast into cannons.
On or about September 11th of 1777 a train of 700 wagons escorted by
200 hundred cavalry from North Carolina and Virginia under the command
of Colonel Thomas Polk began their journey northward. By the 24th of
September all of the bells were at locations under the protection of
the citizens and clergy of Northampton Towne, (present day Allentown).
The State House Bell was hidden below the floorboards of the Zion’s
Reformed Church.
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It
would be a fairly safe to assume that during the fifty five mile
journey which lasted nearly two weeks, at least some contingent of that
military transport would have sought respite, shelter and perhaps a bit
of libation at the property and tavern of Louis Weikel, (known today as
the WASHINGTON HOUSE and site of the
SELLERSVILLE THEATER 1894).
Conversely,
it might also be the inclination or temptation of any proprietor to
want to attach some bit of historic import to these worthy
surroundings. This notion of success by association quite often causes
us to lose sight of the countless unrecorded lives and events that have
occurred in those grand historic structures that have survived at the
crossroads of our collective pasts.
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DISTINCTIVE ANTIQUE WINE
CABINET
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A NICE SELECTION OF FINE
BEERS AND ALES ON TAP
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Although
these lesser events and less recognized lives are the muscle
and connective tissue of this nation, they seldom are included in the
historian’s pen to paper process. Instead these people and their
stories have been in the care of the bards and musicians of each
generation. Perhaps this is the more appropriate stewardship, as music
and storytelling have always been a significant aspect of tavern life.
The American public house continues on as a place where people can put
aside their failures and afflictions, and in due course raise their
glasses and their voices in celebration of our successes and our
liberty. |
Today
the WASHINGTON HOUSE and SELLERSVILLE THEATER 1894 are
owned by Elayne
Brick and William Quigley. As a result of their vision, hard work and
dedication to details both buildings are again central to the life of
this vibrant community.
For the second time since 2001 the theater has gone through extensive
reconstruction. The recently completed work adds a new lobby and box
office to what was already one the most elegant small theaters in
America. And yes, the lobby does include a fine little bar to hold you
over until the last curtain call and the chance to stroll next door for
a proper nightcap at the Washington House. |
What
more could one request from life other than a good song, a good drink
and a good friend to share the experience! |
WASHINGTON HOUSE
RESTAURANT
&
SELLERSVILLE
THEATER 1894
136 NORTH MAIN STREET
SELLERSVILLE,
PENNSYLVANIA 18960
(215)
257-3000
www.washingtonhouse.net
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SELLERSVILLE
THEATER 1894
&
WASHINGTON HOUSE
RESTAURANT
24 WEST TEMPLE AVENUE
SELLERSVILLE,
PENNSYLVANIA 18960-2421
(215)
257-5808
www.st94.com
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